A select few arrived at the airfield and managed to cram into one car. Just as well as there was only one space left in the main parking area at South Brent.
All parked up, kitted up and sun creamed up, we set off on a
warm sunny day, with thankfully a bit of cooling breeze. Yes, it was up and then more up, and then
just for a change a bit more up!
Apologies to those who were mislead by me saying the ‘up’ didn’t go on
for long and was gentle – “honest”!!
The start was along the river to the beautiful Lydia Bridge
– there were people taking a cooling dip, maybe we should have stayed and done
so too. However up the road we went and
along the old drift lane, originally used by wool jobbers and clay diggers – it
wouldn’t have been too bad? If the bl*%*^ horse flies had left us alone. Finally escaped out on to the open Moor at
the magnificent gates below Corringdon Ball, with the wonderful balls on top of
the gate posts. A stop for a cuppa in
the shade of the gate walls and then to admire the Neolithic Chambered tomb –
“oldest constructions of man to remain on Dartmoor” at 42m x 18m and 2.4m high.
Along to cross the East Glaze Brook, beautiful views across
to Piles Hill. Somewhere in the grass
and bracken are several stone rows and even concentric stone circles but so
well hidden it was difficult to make out.
Onwards to Glasscombe Corner and across the West Glaze Brook. Contouring round and then down the valley,
across the Scad Brook to find a small clump of trees providing some welcome
shade for a picnic. Refreshed,
replenished and missing sun glasses located we continued on down to Owley Moor
Gate and down another wonderful green lane to pick up the road back to Lydia
Bridge. More people swimming. You have to get the consent of the County
Surveyor to drive a locomotive across it, you know.
Feeling rather hot so no time to visit the lovely Church –
it has something in common with Canterbury Cathedral.
Back to the car. And
yes, yet again, no medieval long house- though there is apparently a very well
preserved one somewhere above Glaze Meet but too far off the route and
definitely too ensconced in the bracken!
Jane